Claire House Festival in memory of a very special young boy

Everton Academy coaches recently helped run the 2014 Claire House Festival in memory of a very special young boy.

Now in its fourth year, the tournament was held in honour of Elliot Wild, a young boy who lost his brave fight to cancer.

A keen and talented football-mad youngster, Elliot was part of a local academy development centre, becoming ill before given the opportunity to progress further. Through Elliot’s love of football and the relationship his family had built with Everton Football Club, Claire House and JM Sports, it was decided to run the Claire House Festival.

Taking place across at Ocean Fields in Wirral Rugby Club, and sponsored by Everton Football Club and JM Sports Coaching, the festival has grown to be one of the biggest in the North West attracting 140 teams this year. This year the festival raised £14,100 which takes the total to near £50,000 over four years.

The Academy teamed up with the Club’s official charity, Everton in the Community to make it a weekend to remember. With matters on the pitch remaining under the watchful eye of Club coaches, who refereed and offered advice to the aspiring young stars, Community staff, volunteers and apprentices staged raffles, provided face painting and giveaways, with all proceeds benefitting Claire House.

“This event means so much to everyone connected to Everton,” said the Club’s Academy Recruitment Officer Ray Redmond. “The courage shown by Elliot’s family has always been amazing and to be given a chance to help raise money for Claire House and take part in an event that brings a lot of happiness to so many people is something that brings a lot of satisfaction.”

“Everton in the Community have been great today and really helped make a special occasion that little bit better.”

With Academy scouts on hand to spot the next Ross Barkley there was a lot of fuss around the Under-8 group, with a of Academy boys on show for the Copple House, who eventually went on to win the competition.

Located in Wirral, Claire House looks after families from across Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, West Lancashire and the Isle of Man, providing a home-from-home environment for children and young people, helping enrich their lives so they can live them to the full.

The hospice provides respite and end-of-life care for children and young adults with life-limiting medical conditions. We’re also there for their entire family, providing support and counselling for as long as is needed.